Mumbai, Feb. 1 -- The Indian stock markets closed flat on Budget day after a highly volatile trading session, especially during the Union Budget speech by Finance Minister.

The Nifty 50 index ended at 23,482.15, down by 26.25 points (-0.11 per cent), while the BSE Sensex settled at 77,505.96, gaining a marginal 5.39 points (+0.01 per cent).

Market experts noted that the Budget focused on consumption-led growth, which drove strong buying in certain sectors. The FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) and Realty sectors surged more than 3 per cent on the National Stock Exchange, reflecting positive investor sentiment. However, sectors such as IT, metals, banking, and pharmaceuticals faced selling pressure by the closing of the session.

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